407567 Future Proofing Nematology

This project is to provide the services required to develop a DNA barcode reference database for plant parasitic nematodes verified by morphological analysis. The identification of plant parasitic nematodes using DNA sequencing alone is often inconclusive due to a lack of reference sequence data, including for those nematodes which are already known to be present in New Zealand. The development of a verified DNA sequence database for plant parasitic nematodes will speed up nematology diagnostics, and reduce reliance on nematodes expressing their required morphological characters. We will provide support to the provider with regards to host selection and coordination at a national level.